Since 1985, CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocate) has empowered abused and neglected children with a volunteer's voice in court by seeking a safe and permanent home for each child. The program recruits, trains and supports community volunteers who act as advocates in court on behalf of child victims of abuse or neglect. As these children enter the court system, they may feel alone, frightened or unheard. CASA volunteers play a crucial role by monitoring a child's situation and reporting findings to the court. More importantly, they are also a caring and trusting adult presence in a child's life. Each year, CASA volunteers within Johnson and Wyandotte Counties dedicate more than 11,000 hours to children. Every hour focused on the same goal - to give each each child a chance at happiness and the stability that all kids need in order to thrive. A majority of the children served by CASA are in the state's custody; and therefore reside in foster homes, relative placement, group homes, or treatment facilities. CASA works to move these children into safe, loving and permanent homes as quickly as possible.